25 January 2007
Trans-Tasman rivalry will be to the fore this weekend when New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) touch rugby teams play visiting Australian Defence Force teams.
The touch test will be held at Davis Field in Trentham, near Upper Hutt, on Sunday 28 January. The test will start with the over 30s team game at 1.00pm, and will be followed by the open women's and open men's games.
Test organiser Sergeant Terry Miratana said this is the third time NZDF teams have played their Australian counterparts. “We are hoping that having the home advantage will help to secure the trophy for New Zealand for the first time,” he said.
Touch rugby is one of 11 sports codes approved by the NZDF for participation and competition at unit and representative level. Other sports include basketball, netball, rugby, golf, hockey, and volleyball.
Navy, Army and Air Force teams often compete across the services and occasionally play against teams from other services such as the New Zealand Fire Service and New Zealand Police Force.
The touch teams will also be playing practice games against local Wellington selection teams on Saturday 27 January at Fraser Park, Lower Hutt starting at 10.00am.
ENDS
For further information please contact Ally Clelland, Defence Public Relations on
04 496 0273 or 021 569 130.